Alexandria, Egypt: The ultimate travel guide for the city

Alexandria in Egypt, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, is one of the most historically extraordinary cities in the world. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. It was once the intellectual capital of the ancient world, home to the Great Library and the Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders). Today, Alexandria offers a fascinating blend of Greco-Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture, Mediterranean seafood culture, and a uniquely cosmopolitan character unlike anywhere else in Egypt. We visited it right after Cairo. In this guide, we share everything you need to know before your first trip.

Where is Alexandria, Egypt?

Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast of northern Egypt, approximately 220km northwest of Cairo, about 2.5 hours by car or train. It sits on a narrow strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariout, with two natural harbours that made it one of the ancient world’s most important trading ports.

With a population of approximately 5.4 million, it is Egypt’s second-largest city and its most important port, handling around 55% of Egypt’s foreign trade. Despite its modern urban character, Alexandria’s streets, museums, and monuments tell the story of over 2,300 years of history across Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman rule.

👉 Most nationalities require a visa for Egypt. You can apply online before travelling at iVisa.com. They offer an e-visa service with document checking before submission. Read our complete Egypt visa guide for all options and costs.

How to get to Alexandria from Cairo

Alexandria is approximately 220km from Cairo, easily doable as a day trip or an overnight stay:

By train (recommended): Multiple daily departures from Cairo’s Ramses Station. The fastest express trains (Turbo or Spanish trains) take approximately 2 hours. Book in advance, especially on weekends. Seat classes vary; first class is very comfortable and affordable.

By car: The Desert Road (Cairo–Alexandria Desert Road) is the fastest route, approximately 2.5 hours without traffic. The Agricultural Road is more scenic but takes longer. Compare car rental prices on Discovercars.com.

By bus: Multiple operators, including GoBus and Blue Bus, from Cairo’s main bus terminals. Approximately 2.5–3 hours. Comfortable and affordable.

💡 We recommend the train because it’s fast, comfortable, affordable, and drops you right in the heart of the city.

Transportations

Transportation from the airport

The airport of Alexandria is at a distance of 48 km from the city center. The best way to get to the city center from the airport is by taxi, on the condition that you have already bargained for the fare. Otherwise, Uber is a wiser choice. The route lasts 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic. There is also a bus which connects the airport to the city center, but no one recommends it. An alternative option is to have already booked a room with a hotel that includes the airport transportation in its price.

Bus and train routes from Alexandria to Cairo can be found on Bookaway

Transportation within the city

Buses: There is a public bus system in the city centre, which wouldn’t be a traveller’s first choice. The reason is that they are overcrowded, and in combination with the too frequent stops, they really delay a lot. There is also a double-decker tourist bus system that makes a city tour. Finally, there are private companies that take on any city transportation.

Micro-Buses: This is a bus system that is mostly used by the locals. They have specific routes through specific areas within the city. Every area usually has its own Micro-Bus for 17-35 EGP.

Taxi: Taxis in Alexandria are black and yellow and have the same rules as the Cairo ones. In other words, they are obliged to have a taxi meter. However, as the rules are not abided by and some drivers don’t use it or ignore it and ask for more money, it is better to arrange the fare beforehand. Always count the change. We were often given less change than we should have been given.

Uber & Careem: Popular apps that are used a lot by tourists. You can choose your route through the app and find the exact price. The only disadvantage is that the local drivers speak little or no English at all. In order to be sure, take a photo of your chosen destination.

Τrαm: This is the oldest means of public transport in Alexandria. It has 20 rail routes and 140 stops, and some wagons are double-deckers. It is used frequently in the city center, either by tourists who are sightseeing or locals on their way to work. Once again, the only disadvantage is that it is overcrowded, especially during rush hour, so one must take extra caution with personal belongings. The price ranges from 1-5 ΕP(Egyptian Pounds)

Low-cost hostels for Alexandria can be found on Hostelworld

Top things to do in Alexandria

Citadel Of Qaitbay

Initially, it was created to fend off attacks from the Ottoman Empire. This Acropolis was considered to be the city’s stronghold, not only in Egypt but throughout the Mediterranean. It was built right on top of the ruins of the lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the world. Inside the castle is a small nautical museum.

Montaza Palace

This includes the palace, the museum, and the royal gardens. The conglomeration also includes 5 beaches. The royal gardens are over 600.000m² and are open to the public. The Al Haramlek and Al Salamlek buildings are very distinguishable, the former being a casino and the latter a luxury hotel.

The Library of Alexandria

The new library of Alexandria started being constructed in 2002 in collaboration with UNESCO, as a reconstruction of the Ancient Alexandrian Library, which had been destroyed. It consists of 13 floors and over 8 million volumes of work, which are constantly increasing. The building itself is very impressive and modern, and you may lounge around reading as long as you like, so long as you are quiet and respect those around you. It is situated a little before the Qaitbay in the Selsela district. Check current admission details at bibalex.org.

Beach front

There is a long stretch of beaches along the coastal area, adding a sea aura to Alexandria, refreshing the air from the pervading desert heat. Do not fail to enjoy the sunset, with its beautiful, different hues of colour shimmering over the Mediterranean.

Book Alexandria tours and experiences on GetYourGuide

Catacombs (Kom El Shoqafa)

One of the biggest sights in Alexandria, since they were discovered totally by chance when a donkey fell into them. Considered one of the seven wonders of the Middle Ages, the catacombs consist of 3 levels, and traces of Russian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations have been found in them. As you go down, there are many elements of Greek civilization, such as the most well-known one of Medusa, the goddess of punishment. There are many impressive wall paintings and tombs.

Pompey’s Pillar

Pompey’s Pillar is a Roman pillar of triumph and is the tallest pillar ever to be built outside the Roman and  Byzantine Empires. Its height is 26,85m  and has been constructed with an Egyptian granite monolith from Assuan, height 20,46 m. It weighs 285 tons. At these dimensions, it is one of the biggest ancient monoliths on earth ever created. In the surrounding area, you can see various statues saved from ancient times, including some sphinxes.

National Museum of Alexandria

The Alexandria National Museum is a historical and archaeological museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts dating back to ancient times, as well as items from the Islamic and modern eras. The museum is located in a restored palace that dates back to the early 20th century, and it is situated in the heart of Alexandria’s historic district.

The museum’s exhibits are organized chronologically, with the earliest artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. Visitors can see ancient statues, coins, pottery, jewelry, and other artifacts that showcase the history and culture of Alexandria and the surrounding region. The museum also has a large collection of artifacts from the reign of Alexander the Great, as well as exhibits dedicated to the city’s role in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that feature artwork and artifacts from around the world.

The house of Kavafi

The world-renowned Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis was born and lived the biggest part of his life in Alexandria. His house has been turned into a museum where one can view his poems and biographies. The original furniture was sold by his heirs, so new replicas from photos have been created. The Cavafy Museum has free admission, one of the best free cultural experiences in Alexandria. No booking required, simply ring the bell if the door is closed. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–3:00 pm (Thursday & Sunday until 5:00 pm). Closed Monday. Note: 2nd floor walk-up, no elevator. Restored in 2022 by the Onassis Foundation.

El Qaed Ibrahim Mosque

Famous for its tall minaret, El Qaed Ibrahim Mosque is one of the most popular mosques in Alexandria. Designed by an Italian architect, it was constructed in 1948.

El Mursi Abu Al Abbas Mosque

Famous for its unique domes, El Mursi Abu Al Abbas Mosque is one of the oldest and most well-known mosques in Alexandria.

Stanley Bridge

On the coastal front, Stanley Bridge is a really beautiful bridge to be photographed both during the day and at night.

Shopping

At the Al Attarine Bazaar in the Al Attarine district, you will find souvenirs and local crafts. On the long road, Khalid Ebn El Walid, you will find everything imaginable. A trip to Alexandria must include a trip to the bazaar!  The prices are raised because everyone expects buyers to bargain for the product, although they also hope some will be too embarrassed to.

For all the historical monuments and sites we mentioned above, you have to pay at the entrance in Egyptian currency.

Find activities and tours in Alexandria

Where to eat in Alexandria

Alexandria is famous for its seafood. Everyone recommends lunch or dinner in one of the seafront restaurants. Some of the most popular restaurants are the following:

Sea Gull: One of the most well-known restaurants in Alexandria. A large range of seafood at very affordable prices and with speedy service, in combination with a very beautiful sea view.

Fish Market: This is the shop we chose to have lunch in during our visit. There is a huge space with a view of the sea. We ate fresh fish together with some local sauces and local salads.

Roberto’s Italian Restaurant: A very nicely decorated restaurant, albeit without a sea view. This is compensated for by the very affordable prices starting at 5€ and the very tasty food. Try the pasta Ravioli.

Holmes Burgers: For burger lovers, this is the shop you have been looking for. Burgers to drool over, for those who don’t like seafood, for prices as low as 3€. There is a long menu and a lot of side dishes, all at low prices.

Cafe Trianon: The place you will lounge at to enjoy your coffee and dessert, whilst at the same time taking in the opulence of old Alexandria. Once this cafe had a lot of Greek patrons, and amongst them the most famous Alexandrian of all, the Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis. Finally, the most popular Alexandrian snack is Fresca. A wafer filled with honey and nuts. It can be found in many of the shops in the center, as well as with roaming vendors.

Best time to visit Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate, milder than the rest of Egypt, with more humidity:

October–April (Best): Comfortable temperatures (15–22°C), much less humid than summer. Occasional rain from December to February, but manageable.

May–September (Hot & Humid): Temperatures reach 30°C+ with high humidity. The city is very popular with Egyptian summer visitors from Cairo. Accommodation books up quickly and prices rise.

💡 Alexandria is actually a year-round destination, unlike Luxor or Aswan, which are brutally hot in summer; the Mediterranean breeze keeps Alexandria relatively comfortable.

Useful Sites & Apps

In the last few years, we have been travelling we have singled out some applications, which we use every trip or during it. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use, and variety in the options they have to offer. We describe below in detail what these are, together with their characteristics.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travellers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travellers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travellers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. Browse available hotels in Alexandria on Booking.com

Air Bnb

With over a million properties worldwide, the variety and range are huge, ideal even for low-budgeters visiting expensive destinations. Furthermore, as you will actually be staying in someone’s villa or house, interacting with the host or independently, there is a more homely, cosy feeling to this kind of accommodation.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localised websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travellers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals on Hotels.com.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travellers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travellers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travellers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby. Find available offers and book your accommodation on TripAdvisor.

Omio.com

Omio is a leading travel platform that helps you easily plan and book your trips. With a comprehensive network of trains, buses, and flights across Europe and beyond, Omio allows you to compare and choose the best travel options for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an extended vacation, Omio’s user-friendly interface and competitive prices make it easy to create unforgettable travel experiences. Check available routes on Omio.com.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine, helping millions of travellers find the best flights, hotels, and car rentals. With a user-friendly interface and powerful search technology, Skyscanner makes it easy to compare prices and options across hundreds of travel providers, giving you the best deals for your trip. From budget to luxury, domestic to international, Skyscanner has everything you need to plan your next adventure. So whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, start your journey with Skyscanner and discover the world like never before. Available flights and prices can be found on Skyscanner.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for booking travel activities and experiences. With a wide variety of tours, activities, and attractions available in destinations around the world, GetYourGuide makes it easy to find and book unique experiences for your next trip. From city sightseeing tours and food and wine tastings to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, GetYourGuide has something for every type of traveller. With a user-friendly website and mobile app, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, GetYourGuide is a top choice for travellers seeking memorable and authentic experiences.

Discover Cars

DiscoverCars.com offers a hassle-free car rental booking experience, with a wide range of rental car options available worldwide. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates, 24/7 customer support, and flexible cancellation policies. With no hidden fees and a user-friendly interface, booking your rental car has never been easier. Choose from a variety of car rental options, including economy, luxury, and family-friendly vehicles, and enjoy the freedom of the open road on your next adventure. Book with DiscoverCars.com today and start exploring the world on your own terms!

Hotel Tonight

Here you will find last-minute discounts on vacancies from hotels. This is an amazingly simple app, and it doesn’t take long to book a room. You may search in each town for sights and maps. Furthermore, you can check the reviews and photos of other travellers to be sure about the reliability of each hotel. It also has a 24/7 customer service. If you’re stuck somewhere and you need a room desperately, this is the perfect app for you.

City Maps 2Go

Maps for travelling, hiking, mountain cycling, and many other activities. A necessary app for every adventure, activity, or touring abroad. You may only download one map per country, whereas it was possible to download two in the past. For an additional map, you need to pay. Alternatively, as soon as you have looked at the information on a map, you can delete it and then download a new one. 

You can mark all the places of interest on the map you have downloaded. Whether they are sights, shops, or restaurants, you can use the directions guide to get there. The great advantage of this app is that you don’t need to have an internet connection, although it might get stuck a few times. Nevertheless, it is quite a reliable and useful app.

Alexandria, Egypt FAQ — Everything you need to know